Hatch chile season is here, and there are food festivals to celebrate the piquant pepper. Also this week, a back-to-school Brazilian buffet special for the entire family, and one super sour Saturday afternoon pickle party. Sushi lovers should note: one of the area’s most popular sushi restaurants is hosting an evening boat cruise on a local lake, complete with a sushi dinner, drinks, live music, and a fireworks show.
Monday, August 12
Hatchsteria at Central Market
The gourmet grocer is commemorating its 24th annual Hatch chile festival through August 20 with more than 330,000 pounds of the popular pepper heating up stores across the state. Find them stuffed, fire-roasted, and infused in dozens of products like handmade sausages, pastas, marmalades, tortillas, and even beer and gelato. The store’s deli section is currently stocked with popular favorites like Hatch crab cakes, Hatch pimento mac and cheese, Hatch chicken salad, and much more. Take your Hatch fever even further with a Hatch tamale cooking class ($60) on August 20 at 6:30 pm.
Churrasco for Kids at Texas de Brazil
Back-to-school season is here, and families can celebrate with a carnivorous meal at the Brazilian steakhouse. Through August 16, up to two children (age 12 and under) can dine free per one adult dinner purchase. The restaurant’s endless, slow-roasted prime meats will fill the bellies of even the hungriest pre-teens, and parents can toast to the end of summer with some savings. Note that desserts and beverages are not included.
Wednesday, August 14
Hatch Chile Festival Buffet Dinner at Blue Mesa Grill
Now in its 23rd year, the annual smorgasbord celebrating the seasonal New Mexican pepper will be available from 5-9 pm. Hatch specials will range from classic chile rellenos and pozole soup to Hatch chile-infused cheesecake with candied peppers. The buffet price is $16 per person and $7 for children ages 6-11. Don’t miss the watermelon Hatch chile margarita, shaken with tamarind nectar and organic tequila. Call-ahead seating is recommended.
Friday, August 16
Piranha Killer Sushi Sunset Cruise
In what sounds like one dreamy summertime evening, the Flower Mound location of Piranha Killer Sushi will host a boat cruise dinner on Lake Grapevine. The $75-per-person ticket includes an array of sushi and appetizers, along with live music and a lakefront fireworks show. There’ll be a cash bar, and all cocktails and wines will be $5. The cruise will run from 8-11 pm, and guests should meet at Silver Lake Marina at 2500 Fairway Dr.
Saturday, August 17
Best Maid Pickle Beer Launch at Martin House Brewing
Pucker up. The legendary Fort Worth pickle company has collaborated with the Riverside brewery to create a sour pickle beer. Try the Best Maid Pickle Beer at this party featuring all things pickle from noon to 5 pm. Tickets are $12 and include a pickle-themed pint glass and four 8-ounce pours of Martin House brew. Look for the pickle beer wall, where there’ll be five more pickle beers to try, including Xtreme Sour, Xtreme Hot, Bloody Mary, Jalapeño Bread N Butter, and Sea Salt Hamburger Chips. Guests will also get to try Best Maid’s limited-edition Salty Lady beer pickles, made with the brewery’s tart, German-style gose. Alchemy Pops will be on-site with a limited-edition pickle pop, and food trucks will feature fried pickles and burgers with Best Maid pickles. Like every Martin House event, kids are welcome.
It's Hatch chile time at Blue Mesa.
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